RTN model and serial number question

QTR34

New User
Hello. I have a Moline that I just accidently bought on an online auction. The plate on the transmission case lists the model as an RTN and the serial number is 418464N. The model number and serial number don't make sense when compared to the serial numbers I've found online. The tractor also has an adjustable front axle. Anyone have any ideas?
cvphoto56400.jpg
 

An RTN would have the single front wheel. The front end you have would be an RTE. I don't THINK you could interchange those unless the whole front end was changed.
Was the manifold changed or the pipe rerouted to make the stack come up through the middle of the hood? Z's of that era did that. On an R the exhaust should exit through that hole on the left side of the hood.
 
The hole for the original exhaust is located on the left side like you said. Looks like someone modified it to exit on the right. I also
agree that it should be an RTE based on the front axle but the serial number and model number are weird. The serial number on the plate
appears to contradict the model number on the same plate.
 
Up to and including 1947 models were all grouped together. Your serial number is from 1947. Beginning in 1948 the different models had separate serial numbers (RTU, RTS, RTE RTN & RTI).
 
Could be two tractors blended into one. I have one just like it. An RTU with an E front end. Engine serial number may not be of same time period as transmission. I think 1948 was the first year for the extendable front axle but not sure.
 
Front axle and wheels look correct for a factory extendable. Swapping front ends was common and not that difficult. I have an RTU that had an "N" front end when I bought it. I have acquired a "U" pedestal and wheels to convert it back to match the serial tag.
On the one in the photo, the exhaust has certainly been rerouted to a Z style exit and exposed muffler. Rear part of tractor is strange......fenders look like red face UTS units, and axle and wheels don't look R.
 
Thanks for the help. I do think its a conglomeration of tractors put together. Engine tag matches other tag on transmission but front axle, rear wheels, and rear fenders are likely not even from an R model.
 
Did they come with smaller diameter rims and wide tires like this one? The RTU of my neighbor's had 38 inch rims and narrow tires.
 
Early R's had 36 or 38 in rears. Later ones had mostly 34's. None of them were very wide. The exception was the RTI's. They had 24's or 28's but they weren't very wide either. The very early 36 and 38 rims had a full circle rim. Those and later 36 and 38 rims have a different (smaller & not rolled over) center hole than most other rear wheels. As far as I know, all the 34 inch rims have a standard center hole. Standard rims will fit on an R, but Early R rims won't fit on a regular hub.
 
I'm not sure what the wheels and hubs came from. The rim are 9 bolt which I've only seen on John Deere's. I was wondering if the could be from a moline uni-tractor. I think the ran 28" rims.
 

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